Flames sign Phaneuf for six years

“It remains very important for us to lock up our key young players,” said Sutter. “Our goal with Dion was to provide an arrangement that will allow him to take his game to the next level.”

Sutter confirmed reports that the contract averages $6.5 million per season for a total of $39 million.

"In the end it was something both sides were comfortable with," said Sutter. "Ultimately it comes down to the player wanting to play on a good team in a good town."

“I’m excited about the prospect of playing another six years in Calgary,” said Phaneuf. “In fact, I never thought I would be playing anywhere else. I am proud to be a member of this organization and will continue to concentrate on the job at hand - making and advancing in the playoffs this year and for years to come.”

“Since Darryl drafted Dion in 2003, he has been on a strong and progressive career path,” said Flames President & CEO Ken King. “ Dion will remain a member of an important group of gifted young men who carry the Calgary Flames banner and reputation in our community and throughout the League.”

“This is a strong and committed ownership group, “said Newport Sports Management’s Don Meehan. “It is a pleasure to work with the Calgary Flames’ hockey group and senior management who are dedicated to the Calgary market and have made Calgary a great place to play.”

A native of Edmonton, Alberta, Phaneuf is playing in his 3rd season with the Calgary Flames. Phaneuf was Calgary’s 1st round pick in the 2003 NHL Entry Draft, and recently returned from the 2008 NHL All-Star Game in Atlanta where he was named to the Western Conference’s starting line-up.

The deal takes the 22-year-old through two years of potential unrestricted free agent status. Phaneuf could have become a restricted free agent at the end of this season and potentially received offer sheets from other teams.

"If it had gotten to that point I think everyone knew that the player was not going to leave here under any circumstances," said Sutter.

"I didn't want to go that route," added Phaneuf.

I never wanted to leave Calgary. I'm looking forward to taking steps and helping bring a championship to Calgary.- Dion Phaneuf

The Flames now have what is considered the core group of the team signed to long-term contracts as captain Jarome Iginla, defenceman Robyn Regehr and Miikka Kiprusoff are all locked in for the future.

"Good teams have big cores and I think we have one and that is why we have been successful, other than the lockout year, for the last four years," said Sutter.

Phaneuf and Sutter noted that, while the young defenceman has made a mark in the NHL, he has a tremendous upside.

"If you look at the age group, and the defencemen in that group...Dion is at the head of the class," said Sutter. "There is tremendous room for improvement. In the new system players are not paid for what they have done. They are paid on what you expect them to do."